Welcome to Petplan’s blog, a space where you can read up on the latest pet-news, find out interesting facts and tips about keeping your pets happy and healthy, and share your views on hot topics.
Q: Our cat is a real fighter and keeps coming into the house with bites and scratches. He tends to clean them himself and isn’t keen for us to look at them. My mum says his saliva can kill bacteria, but I don’t believe it. Is this true?
A: No. A cat’s mouth harbours one of the highest concentrations of bacteria in existence, and is far more likely to cause an infection than to treat one. Of course, pets will groom themselves when injured, but you should always try to clean any wound with warm salty water if you can. If the skin is punctured, you will need to see your vet, as abscesses are a common condition in cats that get involved in local dust-ups.
Q: One of my cats, a moggy called Clarence, seems to have a bit of a problem with his ear. I noticed today that one ear is slightly down, and he is reluctant to let me touch it. He is shaking his head on one side as though there is something in it, but he is an indoors-only cat. He is otherwise fine, bright and eating well, so is this something that will clear up on its own?
A: There certainly could be something in your cat’s ear, though infection leading to inflammation and pain could also lead to a feline shaking its head. Cats are generally very hardy creatures and don’t complain much, so if Clarence is clearly distressed, then book him an appointment to see your vet as soon as possible.
Q: My five-year-old Springer Spaniel is prone to weepy eyes. Should I take him to a vet or just keep cleaning his eyes with cooled boiled water?
A: If the discharge is clear or brownish in colour, it’s normal tear production – possibly excessive because of irritation or allergy. If the discharge is yellow, it’s a bacterial infection that will need antibiotic medication from your vet.
Many owners report that their dogs have weepy eyes during early spring, possibly associated with the increase in pollens and dust in the atmosphere. A good wipe clean with cooled boiled water would be a perfect way to keep your Springer’s eyes clean and clear, so continue as you are unless infection does become apparent.
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